Qld sets ambitious energy from waste target

Queenslanders are being invited to have their say on an energy from waste policy discussion paper that has been released by the Queensland Government.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said as
Queensland fights the war on waste, finding alternative uses for waste is
becoming more important than ever.

“The discussion paper … is giving
Queenslanders a chance to contribute to the development of a new policy,
provide feedback on the types of technologies and help us plan for the future,”
Ms Enoch said.

“The paper is an important action under the
government’s new waste strategy, released last week.

“Converting waste to energy should not be considered as an alternative to recycling. Avoiding and reducing waste should always be the most preferable option as a long-term solution, followed by reusing and recycling waste.

“WMRR believes Energy from Waste is a vital
part of a sustainable waste and resource recovery system, playing a key role in
managing residual waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.

“Energy from Waste complements recycling and
is part of a move towards a circular economy. Its technologies are also proven
globally, with more than 2000 Energy from Waste facilities operating safely
across the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, many having operated for
decades.

“We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to leverage the technical expertise of our industry to develop a policy that promotes investment in, and growth of, an integrated waste management and resource recovery system that includes Energy from Waste.”